It's a week to thank direct support professionals

Harry Fisher, MORNING CALL File Photo

National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week recognizes workers such as instructor Tracy Hoffman (left), who leads Jennie Bauder of Bethlehem to look for trash in Sand Island of Bethlehem during a community service day for participants in The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties in July.

National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week recognizes workers such as instructor Tracy Hoffman (left), who leads Jennie Bauder of Bethlehem to look for trash in Sand Island of Bethlehem during a community service day for participants in The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties in July. (Harry Fisher, MORNING CALL File Photo)

The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties joins organizations nationwide this week in celebrating National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Direct support professionals are individuals who work directly with people with disabilities, providing care and assistance that keeps individuals with disabilities connected to their family, friends and community. They are vital to supporting community living, supports and services for people with disabilities.

While one week is insufficient to thank them for the tireless work they offer year-round, we are taking this opportunity to celebrate the many ways they serve and support our family members and friends with disabilities. The Arc, its chapters across the United States and other organizations supporting people with disabilities advocate for direct support professionals to receive support, training, and fair wages and benefits. The Arc's direct support professionals are vital to our mission to advocate, educate and provide services and support for more than 1,500 local people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

We invite the community to join us in celebrating National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week with activities such as writing thank-you notes to direct support professionals you know; offering a staff meal to them; and contacting your legislators to educate them about the important work of direct support professionals.